Stockland today celebrated the Ballarat region’s newest shopping precinct, officially opening the $37 million redevelopment of Stockland Wendouree Shopping Centre.

The centre has increased its size by 6,700m2 bringing the total GLA to 27,651m2.  A new indoor/outdoor laneway precinct, an expanded Woolworths and two new entries were added as part of the $37 million development. Hundreds of local residents joined Mayor, Cr Samantha McIntosh to celebrate this morning, excited to get their first look at the new Stockland Wendouree, which now offers customers a choice of over 100 retailers including Skechers, Bonds, Forever New and Sportsgirl.

Stevie Wright, Centre Manager at Stockland Wendouree, says: “We’re very excited to deliver a first class retail experience for this booming area of regional Victoria that will meet the needs of the community now and well into the future. Ballarat has been identified as one of the largest and fastest growing regional cities in Victoria*(Victoria In Future Data Analysis,Victorian Government) our local customers deserve the very best quality shopping, dining, lifestyle and entertainment options.”

“Importantly, this project has had a multiplier effect on the economy in Ballarat and has generated more than 500 new jobs the during construction as well as an additional 250 ongoing jobs in retail, customer service, operations and hospitality.”

Mayor, Cr Samantha McIntosh said: “The new Stockland Wendouree Shopping Centre is a great asset for Ballarat, bringing new opportunities and new jobs for our community.With a vast range of unique dining and shopping experiences, Stockland Wendouree will be a great leisure precinct for the whole community to enjoy.”

The crown jewel of the redevelopment is a new full-line 3,800m2 Woolworths, offering the latest fresh food innovations, including an artisan delicatessen and on site bakery.

The new laneway dining precinct was also unveiled today, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating as well as a range of casual dining choices including Melbourne restauranteur Billy’s Lakeside Restaurant, Tokyo Sukiyaki House and Sushi Sushi. Customers will also enjoy ample parking with 50 new car spaces added, bringing the total to over 1,200.

Sustainability has been at the forefront of the redevelopment, with Stockland investing $2.4 million into a 1.29 MW solar project. Comprising 4,381 rooftop solar panels, it will cover a roof area of approximately 7200m2 and is expected to generate approximately 1,441,050 kWh of renewable energy per year, enough to power 373 homes (Based on 3 occupants per household, www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/benchmark).

The redeveloped centre also includes additional features to make life easier for people of all abilities, including two new inclusive playgrounds developed in consultation with the Touched By Olivia Foundation as well as a dedicated Quiet Room designed to create a safe place for parents, carers and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Quiet Room is situated inside the shopping centre’s Parent Room and provides a calm, low sensory environment, which can be used as a retreat away from the busy shopping centre.

Stevie Wright continues, “We’ve listened to the community from the very beginning and have pushed the boundaries with every element of this redevelopment, bringing together the best in retail, design, innovation and sustainability to create a vibrant centre that the whole community can enjoy.

“Not only do we offer a strong retail mix, focusing on fresh food, dining and services, we have also incorporated a number of important community initiatives into the centre.”